"Creating Instructional Units" by Tchudi & Mitchell Takeaway
In this chapter, I gained the perspective that creating a unit isn't as easy as it sounds! There must be goals, but the process is not always linear. Instead, it is a process that is flexible in order to change the course of direction if needed. Basically, the idea behind a unit is an "organized block of instruction" (pg. 92). Units are based on the needs of students rather than than a set course.
"Themes" by Tchudi and Lafer Takeaway
My biggest takeaway from this chapter was the fact that a theme is used as a resource to construct knowledge--a base to go from almost. It gives us a focus point for our unit, which can help us to develop questions that encourage learning. A goal of themes is to create a connection and curiosity between students and the unit that they happen to be working on in their class.
"Themes" by Tchudi and Lafer Takeaway